Got Green Beer?

Published Jul 15, 2009 at 11:18 AM

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Learn how to craft your own green beer or avoid the hassle and pick up a green keg at one of these area liquor stores.

St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner and plenty of parties will take place this weekend serving up glasses of frosty-green beer. If you're looking for ways to brighten up your festivities, here's the scoop:

Make a Pitcher of Green BeerTo make green beer in a pitcher, just add a few drops of green food coloring. Voila! Even the culinary challenged can make with ease. The recipe works best if you use a lighter beer (darker ones work too just add more coloring).

Color Your Own Keg
If you want a green keg, you're going to need more coloring -- about three ounces per keg -- and a dye-injector kit. Unless you are skilled at repressurising a keg, we suggest you pay the nominal charge -- usually under $10 -- and have the retailer do this for you (or you might end up with a flat keg).

Pre-Dyed Kegs
There are a good number of stores around D.C. that have green kegs available for St. Paddy's Day. Note that prices are for Miller Lite half barrels, which are equal to about 7.5 cases of beer. Remember to budget in the deposit charge for the keg (usually around $30) and tap ($40).